Indochine
Historic Luang Prabang, Magical Halong Bay, and the Ancient Temples of Angkor Wat
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5195 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 16 days |
| Arrive: | Luang Prabang, Laos |
| Depart: | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
| Lodging: | 14 nights deluxe hotels, 1 night aboard private traditional junk describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 3 dinners |
| Activity: | Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Overland travel with walking tours, cultural explorations
|
Highlights
- Luang Prabang, an ancient town of temples on the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers
- Hanoi, “Paris of the Orient,” breathtaking Halong Bay, charming Hoi An
- Breathtaking Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site
- Charming 17th century trading port of Hoi An
- Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most phenomenal architectural achievements
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M.—Albuquerque NM
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam are filled with lyrical images that transport visitors into another world: gold-leafed pagodas glinting in the tropical sun, ornate French Colonial architecture under a canopy of frangipani trees, straw-roofed sampans drifting down languid rivers, young monks draped in saffron-colored robes. Our journey brings us into the heart of Indochine for cultural encounters with the rich ethnic mosaic of its peoples, whom we meet in their villages, schools, homes, and temples. We find the irresistible treasures of Indochine in settings like Luang Prabang, the heart of the old Lao kingdom, with its tranquil rural rhythms and dramatic setting on the Mekong, in breathtaking Halong Bay, and in Hoi An, Vietnam’s beautiful 16th century trading port. Our journey ends with a visit to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s surreal, jungle-shrouded city of temples.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-4
Luang Prabang, Laos
The ancient royal capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is a regal town of gilded temples encircled by mountains. Here, we stroll the atmospheric streets, visit 15th century shrines, boat up the winding Mekong River to the Buddhist caves at Pak Ou, and explore villages of the Hmong and Khamu hilltribes.
Days 5-6
Hanoi, Vietnam
In this thousand-year-old city on the Red River, bicycle rickshaws are the ideal way to explore the narrow streets of the 15th century Old Quarter. Our visits include the excellent Museum of Ethnology.
Day 7
Private Junk on Halong Bay
A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a magical setting of thousands of sheer limestone islands jutting out of a jade-green sea. Our overnight cruise aboard a traditional junk gives us the chance to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ethereal setting.
Days 8-9
Hue
In Hue, Vietnam’s ancient cultural capital, we visit the majestic Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, journey by private “dragon boat” up the Perfume River, explore the Thien Mu Pagoda, and roam the vibrant Dong Ba Central Market.
Days 10-12
Danang / Hoi An / Saigon
A spectacular drive along a magnificent coastline brings us to the riverside town of Hoi An, an enchanting place where the sense of the past is ever present. We explore narrow streets with well-preserved 17th century architecture dating to the time when the town was a trading port in silk and porcelain, and sample delicious cao lau noodles, unique to Hoi An. On Day 12, we discover fascinating Saigon.
Days 13-16
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
We explore Angkor Wat, with its hundreds of intricately carved temples scattered across the landscape. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries to glorify a succession of Khmer kings, the temples are massive and majestic, with imposing gateways and towers, huge moats, and colossal sculptured Buddha images—all in a wonderful jungle setting. Depart from Siem Reap in the afternoon of Day 16.
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Burma Extension (8 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
- Phuket Extension (4 days)
- Chiang Mai Extension (3 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1+, or easiest. It is an overland cultural adventure, and for the most part, physical activity is light but we still encourage participants to get in shape for the trip because travel to remote places does require some physical stamina. Please note that you are visiting areas where tourism has been relatively limited. We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility and a spirit of adventure to this unique journey.
Departures & Leaders
Feb 4-19, 2012 Mathew Smith
Feb 11-26, 2012 Andrew Forbes
Nov 3-18, 2012 Mathew Smith
Dec 22, 2012-Jan 6, 2013 Mathew Smith
Dec 28, 2012-Jan 12, 2013 Andrew Forbes
Jan 12-27, 2013 Mathew Smith
Feb 16-Mar 3, 2013
Tour Costs
Prices valid through Spring 2012
$5195 (14-16 members)
$5395 (11-13 members)
$5795 (7-10 members)
Single supplement: $1295
Forced single supplement: $1295
Internal airfare: $790 (subject to change)
Holiday surcharge (December): $200
more on pricing
Extension Costs
Burma Extension
from: $2250
Bangkok Extension
from: $575
Phuket Extension
from: $695
Chiang Mai Extension
from: $445
Bangkok Extension
from: $575
Tour Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations
- All meals included except 3 dinners
- Sightseeing as noted with entrance fees to sites and museums
- Surface transportation in buses or vans
- Land transportation, airport transfers for passengers arriving Day 1 and departing Day 16, and baggage handling
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, internal airfare/taxes within Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, transfers for independent arrival or departure, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, beverages at group meals, international airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, hotels en route to/from Asia and any additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas, and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).Villa Santi Hotel
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Luang Prabang, Laos
A charming boutique hotel, the Villa Santi is a former royal residence situated in the heart of the old historic town, just steps from the temples ...
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Hanoi Opera Hilton Hotel
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), Hanoi, Vietnam
This landmark hotel is located adjacent to the Parisian-style Opera House in the heart of Hanoi’s elegant French Quarter and just steps from ...
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Private Junk
Day 7 (1 night), Halong Bay, Vietnam
Overnighting aboard a private junk in a secluded cove of Halong Bay is a unique opportunity to capture the evening and early morning vistas of this ...
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Hotel Saigon Morin
Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Hue, Vietnam
The elegant Hotel Saigon Morin, an early 20th century French hotel restored to its century-old glory, is set on the banks of the Perfume River. Each ...
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Hoi An Hotel
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Hoi An, Vietnam
The Hoi An, a French colonial-style hotel with well-maintained gardens, enjoys a central location and amenities including a swimming pool with bar, ...
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Caravelle Hotel
Day 12 (1 night), Saigon, Vietnam
The chic Caravelle is situated adjacent to the French Colonial Opera House in Saigon’s downtown. Many luminaries have stayed here, including ...
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Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort
Days 13 to 15 (3 nights), Siem Reap, Cambodia
Set among lovely gardens and ponds, the Sofitel Royal Angkor will feel like an oasis of serenity after a full day exploring the temples of Angkor ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Burma Extension (8 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
- Phuket Extension (4 days)
- Chiang Mai Extension (3 days)
- Bangkok Extension (3 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Andrew Forbes, PhD, a writer and lecturer from Great Britain, taught Asian history at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland until 1990, when he decided to move to Southeast Asia and make writing a full-time career. He now lives in the lovely old city of Chiang Mai in north Thailand with his Thai ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Mathew Smith, a former language teacher from the UK, went to Thailand to teach in 1987, fell in love with Southeast Asia, and met his future wife. He now lives in Chiang Mai with his wife and daughter. Fluent in Thai, Mathew is loved by trip members for his extraordinary knowledge of Southeast ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
Burma
Thailand
Bangkok Extension
Discover the Beautiful Cultural Monuments of Bangkok
Cultural Adventures
3 days
-
Level 1
Chiang Mai Extension
Explore the Wonders of Northern Thailand
Wildlife & Natural History, Walking, Cultural Adventures
3 days
-
Level 2
Phuket Extension
Explore a Jewel Set in the Andaman Sea
Cultural Adventures, Sea Kayaking
4 days
-
Level 2
Client Comments
This was my second time on this trip, and I found it as enchanting as the first time.Judith M., Albuquerque NM
We were taught so much beyond the usual viewpoint given to a tourist that I felt I had a much deeper understanding of the culture and history than I would have if traveling with a different company.Charlene H., Palm Springs CA
This was an adventure that my husband and I will long remember. Thanks to WT for yet another outstanding trip. You really know how to run a good trip.Essie H., Santa Monica, CA
Our Trip Leader was outstanding. His extensive knowledge, charm, patience, and delightful sense of humor made for a memorable trip.Anne W., Riverside, CT
A great way to see three countries in 2.5 weeks. Very enjoyable and educational.Joseph L., Acampo, CA
Everything was great about this trip from start to finish.Tish P., Ashland, OR
The trip was wonderful. I am impressed not only with the itinerary, hotels, and food, but also with how smoothly the trip runs.Robert B., Berkeley, CA
This was a very memorable experience. The logistics were absolutely seamless and we learned a great deal.Alan W., Bedford, MA





